August 3 2013

1:52 PM

AKRON, Ohio -- Tiger Woods has picked up where he left off, almost, with birdies on his first two holes during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.

Woods, who played his first three holes in 4 under on the way to a 61 on Friday, made a 13-footer for birdie at the first hole and two-putted for another from 39 feet at the par-5 second.

So even with Jason Dufner's torrid start, which includes birdies on his first four holes, Woods still leads by seven at 15 under. Keegan Bradley, who is playing with Woods, made a 40-footer for eagle at No. 2 and joins his buddy Dufner at 8 under.

Bubba Watson, who dropped $497.76 and a $100 tip to buy dinner for more than 60 people at Chipotle on Friday, is 6 under after birdies at Nos. 2 and 3. Also at that number are Bill Haas and Henrik Stenson.

Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson have finally gotten things headed in a positive direction, as well. McIlroy has played his first eight holes in 2 under while Mickelson is 3 under through 10 and has gotten back to even par for the tournament.